1.Break,crush,shatter,smash mean to reduce to parts, violently or by force. Break means to divide by means of a blow, a collision, a pull, or the like: to break a chair, a leg, a strap. To crush is to subject to (usually heavy or violent) pressure so as to press out of shape or reduce to shapelessness or to small particles: to crush a beetle. To shatter is to break in such a way as to cause the pieces to fly in many directions: to shatter a light globe. To smash is to break noisily and suddenly into many pieces: to smash a glass.

Break bread "share food" (with) is from late 14c. Break the ice is c.1600, in reference to the "coldness" of encounters of strangers. Break wind first attested 1550s. To break (something) out (1890s) probably is an image from dock work, of freeing cargo before unloading it. Ironic theatrical good luck formula break a leg has parallels in German Hals- und Beinbruch "break your neck and leg," and Italian in bocca al lupo. Evidence of a highly superstitious craft (cf. Macbeth).

break

n.

c.1300, "act of breaking," from break (v.). Sense of "short interval between spells of work" (originally between lessons at school) is from 1861. Meaning "stroke of luck" is attested by 1911, probably an image from billiards (where the break that starts the game is attested from 1865). Meaning "stroke of mercy" is from 1914. Musical sense, "improvised passage, solo" is attested from 1920s in jazz.

break

noun

An escape or attempt to escape (1830s+)

A brief period of rest or relaxation: Take a five-minute break(1860s+)

A stroke of luck, good or bad • Probably fr the break in billiards, when balls arrange themselves in either a good or bad way: I got a break and made it on time/ Football's a game of breaks to some extent(1911+)

A stroke of mercy or favor: Give me one break and I'll never flunk again

To interrupt or abandon some regular practice: to break training/ break an old routine(1400+)

To happen; occur; fall out: If things break right I'll be OK(1914+)

To tame a wild horse; subdue someone's spirit (late 1400s+)

To bankrupt a company or person (1612+)

To demote; reduce in rank; bust: They broke him back to buck private(late 1600s+)

To separate, esp from a clinch: The boxers broke and came at each other again(1890s+)

(also breakdance or boogie)To do a kind of dancing that evolved in the inner-city ghettos and is characterized esp by intricate writhings and shows of balance and strength close to the floor • Break down was used by 1819 to describe very energetic black dancing: You can go running. You can swim. Or you can break(1980s+ Black teenagers)

(also service break) To win a game from an opponent who is serving (1950s+ Tennis)